Timothy Trick

2025 Marcia Peterman ECE Award

In recognition of outstanding loyalty, commitment, and service to the ECE Department and its students, faculty, and alumni.

Dr. Trick received the bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, and the MS and PhD degrees from Purdue University. In 1965, he joined the faculty of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  He taught courses in the field of electrical circuits and systems, and developed new courses in nonlinear circuits, computer-aided circuit analysis and design, integrated circuits, and analog and digital signal processing. Later in his career, he became interested in the creation of course materials for asynchronous delivery over the internet to both on-campus and distance learning students. 

He served as Director of the Coordinated Science Laboratory from 1984-86, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 1985-95, Interim Dean of Engineering in 2002, and Director of the Anderson Laboratory for Global Education in Engineering until his retirement in 2004.

Professor Trick served on numerous committees and was elected to several positions in the profession.  He served as president of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society in 1979, member of IEEE Publications Board 1982-85, member of IEEE Board of Directors 1986-89, and IEEE Vice-President for Publications 1988-89, and President of the National Electrical Engineering Departments Heads Association 1994-95.  He was Chair of the Semiconductor Research Corporation University Advisory Committee 1993-94.

Professor Trick authored one book, co-authored another, contributed chapters to six other books, published 140 papers, and supervised 40 MS and 21 PhD students.  He and his students received two best paper awards, the 1971 Asilomar Conference award, and in 1976 the IEEE Circuit and System Society  Award.  In 1984, he received the IEEE Centennial Medal, in 1987, the IEEE Circuit and System Society Meritorious Service Award, in 1994, the M.E. Van Valkenburg Circuit and System Society Award, and in 1996, the Outstanding Faculty Award from the UI Dads Association.  Dr. Trick is a Life Fellow of the IEEE, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Fellow of the International Engineering Consortium.  In 2000, he received an Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Dayton, and in 2001, the Outstanding Engineer Award from Purdue University.  He received the University Research Award from the Semiconductor Industry Association in 2002.

Current as of 2025.